Edenilson Cabañas used to be a fisherman, but several years ago he started working in conservation. He’s been a ranger at the station for three years now, helping with maintenance, weather monitoring and hospitality (providing transport and assistance to tourists). He is also involved in biological monitoring and patrolling.

Saúl Arias is the youngest of the three rangers. At the age of nine Saúl became a conservation volunteer for Eco Club Pantanal Paraguayo, which is supported by Guyra Paraguay. At the EcoClub Saúl took part in the Neotropical Waterbird Census and in radio programmes relating to environmental care, finally becoming the group leader. He is also member of the Paraguayan Bat Conservation Programme. At the Three Giants Saúl collaborates with biological monitoring, general maintenance of the station as well as tourist reception. His passion for photography has made an important contribution to species recording on the reserve.

Inés Balbuena comes from the Ishir indigenous community, whose traditional home is the land that is now protected by the Chaco-Pantanal Reserve. She has been working at the Three Giants since 2009 as the main housekeeper, and visitors enjoy her delicious cooking. She also helps with wildlife monitoring and research projects.

Three Giants

Three Giants Biological Station opened in 2007 thanks to funding mainly from WLT Council Member, Kevin Cox. Named after the ‘three giants’ that are known to be present in the reserve – Giant Anteater(Myrmecophaga tridactyla), Giant Armadillo(Priodontes maximus) and Giant Otter(Pteronura brasiliensis), the station is a focal point for monitoring and research, as well as providing visitor accommodation.

In 2013, rangers at the Three Giants developed a new trail named Tatu Carreta (Giant Armadillo). Some 1,042 metres in length, the new trail expands the station’s research area as well as offering new possibilities for camera-traps. Tracks of Lowland Tapir(Tapirus terrestris) and Jaguar(Panthera onca) footprints have already been recorded along the trail. Open to the public, the route also provides visitor access to more of the reserve’s natural attractions.

More information

WLT supports conservation efforts in the Chaco-Pantanal of Paraguay with funding from the Keepers of the Wild appeal. Please help keep wildlife safe at Three Giants by making a donation to Keepers of the Wild.

Comments

This is GOOD to hear - WLT using funds to employ local people to act as rangers on the Biological Station. Who better?
Keeping the wildlife safe and flourishing is bound to attract discerning tourists from around the world to this exciting (but threatened) location. I hope the Govt of Paraguay sees what an important asset this is to the national economy.

In stark contrast to Malta, I note.
.... But massive plaudits to our boy Chris Packham for bravely reporting on the insane slaughter of wild birds there by "sportsmen".

It all highlights the deeply stupid attitude of the Maltese authorities in allowing the international reputation of Malta to be so thoroughly trashed by some of their islanders because they are unable to deal with their psychopathic tendencies. How much will the people of this tourist dependent island suffer because wild birds are being gunned down and not cherished as they should be?
Answer: A Lot !